Migration Flows in the Region and Impact on Cyprus and the Peace Process

​This project continues to develop as one of the leading initiatives of the Centre.

The escalation of the crisis in Syria has rendered Cyprus' position as a relatively peaceful European Union outpost in the region immensely significant. In the last quarter of 2015, there were three shipwrecks close to the southern shoreline, a phenomenon that has not been seen for years. Until then, most applications for refugee protection in the Republic were filed by individuals crossing from the north (having arrived there primarily from Turkey) or by individuals who had entered as migrants and had lost their regular status. This change is indicative of wider, and more profound changes to the patterns and routes of migration, which seem set to continue well into 2016 and beyond. The project aims to investigate these patterns and relate them to other changes in the region, in terms of political and migration dynamics. ​​

The project is a study of the intersections between migration and conflict dynamics in the region and local perspectives on displacement and the Cyprus conflict. A second comparative project on responses to the refugee crisis in the region articulates and expands these findings. Both of these projects continue into 2018.

​Deliverables on this project focussed on research and publications. In terms of the first, the reception of refugees was examined and compared to conditions encountered in Greece, explored through project #3. In terms of the second, a monograph on refugeehood in Cyprus was delivered to the publisher and has been scheduled for publication in October 2018. Two other publications envisioned under this project continue to be pursued. A special issue proposal to Citizenship Studies received praise but was not selected for the yearly special issue and thus alternative venues are being pursued. A second publication for Palgrave continues to be in preparation. Some of the time originally envisioned for these publications was spent on finalising a volume on borders, which tackles many these questions, and will be published by Manchester University Press.